Christmas is coming

I love December. It’s not just Christmas Day that I look so forward to, it’s all the wonderful events, festivities and celebrations that lead up to the big day. The lights at night are so peaceful, thoughtfulness is on the rise and excitement fills the air!

I love December. It’s not just Christmas Day that I look so forward to, it’s all the wonderful events, festivities and celebrations that lead up to the big day. The lights at night are so peaceful, thoughtfulness is on the rise and excitement fills the air!

The other day while the kids were at their piano lessons, I had the opportunity to sneak a peak at a wonderful book their teacher had, Christmas Stories for the Heart. It shares a collection of Christmas stories from various authors. One, that particularly caught my eye, was called Daily Gifts by Charles R. Swindon.

“It’s not too early to give some things away this Christmas. Not just on Christmas day, but during the days leading up to December 25.” Mr. Swindon encourages readers to call these “daily gifts” our Christmas projects, and try one a day. He encourages readers to “make Christmas one long extended gift of ourselves to others. Unselfishly. Without announcement. Or obligation. Or reservation. Or hypocrisy.

I’ve added a few to his list. Here are some suggestions:

Turn off the television and talk.

Enter into another’s sorrow

Smile

Laugh a little. Laugh a little more

Give a tight hug.

Take a walk with a friend

Kneel down and pet a dog.

Read a poem or two to your mate or a friend.

Apologize if you were wrong.

Pay attention to people, in person

Lessen your demands on others

Do the dishes for the family.

Sit on the floor and play a game with a kiddo.

Say hello to someone that looks sad and lonely.

Pray for someone

Fix breakfast on Saturday morning.

Give a soft answer even though you feel strongly

Offer to babysit for a weary mother

Speak kindly to a stranger.

Listen

Mend a quarrel

Seek a forgotten friend

Write a long overdue love note

Dismiss suspicion

Gladden the heart of a child.

Make or bake something for someone-anonymously

Be gentle and patient with an angry person

Express appreciation

Find the time to keep a promise

I love the idea of offering some of these gifts “without announcement” or without receiving recognition. Can you imagine the surprise and majestic feelings someone would have? Just to give that feeling to another would be grand! Giving of ourselves and sharing compassion ~ the true spirit of Christmas! Adding some “daily gifts” to your project list will change your life and the life of those around you~ spreading great comfort and joy. Give it a try! Enjoy the entire season. Merry Christmas to all!